Educational Media Reviews Online

This important documentary on LGBT history brings to the screen the injustices lesbian mothers faced in the 1970s regarding custody of their children. Through testimonials of lesbian activists, lesbian mothers, and some of their children, it articulates the beginning of the framing of the debate of women’s human rights and reproductive rights. Issues of homosexual marriage and parenting were directly impacted by the grassroots movement. It also reminds the viewer that the concept of family is not restricted to heterosexual households, and that sexual orientation has no direct correlation with one’s ability to nurture and raise children.

At the time when being a lesbian was enough grounds for a divorce, lesbian mothers were discriminated against and considered unfit for motherhood. In tune with patriarchal values, their husbands or other relatives were routinely granted custody of their children. The founders of the Lesbian Rights Project (now the National Center for Lesbian Rights) and Lesbian Mothers National Defense Fund reminisce about the founding of their organizations in response to the need to challenge court rulings. At the time when most women were in a disadvantageous position with no professional experience, as well as rampant homophobia, the litigation manual helped strategize for custody battles and provided essential support for many women. Their success campaign inspired the establishment of comparable organizations throughout the country linked with one another by a powerful national network.

The activists recall their pioneering work and total commitment to their cause. Other significant social movements, such as peace, anti-war, civil rights, and women’s liberation movements informed their work and helped create broad and collaborative networks. In addition to the interviews, the film includes reenactments, as well as archival footages and still photos from important archival collections such as Herstory in New York and San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Archives. The images of covers and select pages of lesbian newsletter from the 1970s, such as Mom’s Apple Pie, the Lesbian Mothers National Defense Fund newsletter; Off Our Backs; The Lesbian Tide; and National Connection provides visual and historical interest. The film features music by iconic lesbian and feminist musicians Cris Williamson, Margie Adams, Alix Dobkin, and Mary Watkins.

Highly recommended for discussions on patriarchy, misogyny, reproductive rights, gay and lesbian studies, human rights, sexuality, and women’s rights.